Public Policy Institute

Mission Statement

The Public Policy Institute at Charleston School of Law is dedicated to advancing nonpartisan, evidence-based solutions to pressing societal challenges. Through rigorous research, community collaboration, and student engagement, the Institute serves as a bridge between academic inquiry and real-world impact. By grounding our work in data and fostering dialogue across diverse perspectives, we aim to develop policy initiatives that strengthen communities, promote justice, and uphold the law school’s commitment to public service.

Summary of Goals

1. Build Strong and Diverse Community Partnerships Across Sectors. Community partners may be elected officials, public managers, governmental agencies, trade associations, nonprofits, non-governmental organizations, and/or other community leaders and institutions dedicated to serving the public. Relationships will be cultivated with potential partners through Request for Proposals (RFP) to which potential community partners may respond by submitting proposals for policy research. After reviewing submissions, selected partners will be assigned a team of law students who will spend 16 weeks researching and developing proposals to share with their assigned partner.
2. Produce Accessible, Data-Driven Research & Recommendations. The Institute will produce high-quality policy research on some of South Carolina’s most pressing issues. Students will present their findings in a designated forum to their partners and the community. The institute will publish an annual report detailing the recommendations and plans for implementation.
3. Educate and Collect Community Feedback. The Institute will periodically hold engagement forums and workshops to collect feedback on the issues that resonate most with the community. The forums will also serve to educate the community on the matters being evaluated and debated by local and state leaders and representatives.
4. Create Tools that Enhance Transparency and Civic Trust. The Institute will have a publicly accessible data hub with interactive dashboards to keep community members informed, track progress, and provide a place to collect input.
5. Translate Research into Real-World Policy Action. The Institute will track and report specific cases of recommendations being adopted and/or piloted and will continue to refine recommendations based on their success.

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